Get a glimpse of the Amazon rainforest at a woodland closer to home

This news story is now over a year old and information may no longer be accurate or up-to-date. It might also contain obsolete links. Please use our search link on the left to look for more recent information.

This autumn, Forestry Commission England has joined forces with Sky and WWF to give people the chance to get up close and personal with the Amazon rainforest.

Visitors to the Forestry Commission’s Sherwood Pines and Cannock Chase woodlands will be able to take part in the Sky Rainforest Rescue Discovery Trail and Canopy Walk Experience.

Sky Rainforest Rescue, launched by Sky and WWF three years ago, aims to save one billion trees in Acre, north-west Brazil. Together with the Forestry Commission, they’re bringing this incredible part of the world to a woodland near you to help protect the Amazon we love and the people that live there.

Through these two brand new experiences, you can witness the wonders of the Amazon rainforest and learn why it’s so important to us all.

The Sky Rainforest Rescue Discovery Trails will run from Friday 28 September at the Forestry Commission’s Sherwood Pines and from Monday 29 October at Cannock Chase. Along the 1.6km trail you’ll spot six rainforest icons, identified via a green rope frame. Through the icons and supporting information boards, you’ll learn why this incredible habitat is so important, and how you can help to save it.

The Sky Rainforest Rescue Canopy Walk will be run until Sunday 4 November at Cannock Chase. Don’t miss out, watch the amazing Amazon rainforest in 3D and show your love for the Amazon by stamping your pledge on the rainforest tree wall.

On completion of the trails, children will have the chance to get their hands on their very own Sky Rainforest Rescue Explorer Pack, which includes a certificate officially acknowledging them as a Sky Rainforest Rescue Explorer!

Josephine Lavelle, Forestry Commission, said,

“We are really pleased to be working with Sky and WWF in support of the Sky Rainforest Rescue initiative. The Forestry Commission is committed to protecting and expanding the nation’s woodlands and safeguarding the benefits that trees can bring, and we are delighted to be able to offer the Public Forest Estate as a shop window for wider forestry issues faced across the world.”

The Forestry Commission is also giving visitors the chance to enjoy unlimited access to forests in England with a Discovery Pass. For the chance to win an annual pass, simply enter your details on the competition page.

The Discovery Pass is an invaluable way to support your local forest whilst saving your money with free car parking for you and your family for the year. It also entitles members to generous discount vouchers for shops and activities on and off site.

The Sky Rainforest Rescue Canopy Walk will be touring the country in 2012 and 2013. Visit www.sky.com/rainforestrescue for more information.

Notes to editors

The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Further information can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk